Plateau State Commissioner for Petroleum, Mr. Kumshi Yunana, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Petroleum, Environmental and Solid Minerals Degradation Awareness Association (PESMDAA) to raising awareness on the dangers of illegal mining and other environmentally harmful activities across the state.
Speaking to journalists in Jos, Kumshi described PESMDAA as a Non-Governmental Organisation with nationwide reach and grassroots structures, established two years ago to complement government efforts in protecting the environment and natural resources.
“Our work revolves around nine core mandates, but our major focus is public enlightenment and intelligence gathering to curb illegal mining, oil bunkering, and land degradation,” he said.
He clarified that while PESMDAA operates voluntarily, support from government institutions would help scale its impact. “Though our work is voluntary, government support will certainly enhance our reach and impact,” Kumshi noted.
According to him, the association’s growing acceptance among local communities is a result of its consistent advocacy and interventions. He called on residents to desist from illegal mining, which he identified as a major contributor to land degradation and environmental harm.
Kumshi urged community stakeholders and local government authorities to collaborate with PESMDAA to promote sustainable environmental practices across Plateau State.
